Peter Schmuck's final grades for the 2012 Orioles

CaptionJake Arrieta

Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun

Opening Day starter fell on hard times and headed back to the minor leagues. Returned as middle reliever and made a contribution down the stretch, but hard to gloss over 3-9 record and 6.20 ERA. Grade: D

Opening Day starter fell on hard times and headed back to the minor leagues. Returned as middle reliever and made a contribution down the stretch, but hard to gloss over 3-9 record and 6.20 ERA. Grade: D (Lloyd Fox, Baltimore Sun)

Veteran right-hander was one of the rocks of the ascendent Orioles bullpen, pitching in a variety of roles and appearing in 66 regular season games. Posted solid 2.54 ERA. Grade: B+

Veteran right-hander was one of the rocks of the ascendent Orioles bullpen, pitching in a variety of roles and appearing in 66 regular season games. Posted solid 2.54 ERA. Grade: B+ (Jim Rogash, Getty Images)

Young left-hander came back from nagging shoulder injury to make 11 starts, but struggled with his command and posted 5.05 ERA. Did manage to finish with winning record (5-3). Grade: C-

Young left-hander came back from nagging shoulder injury to make 11 starts, but struggled with his command and posted 5.05 ERA. Did manage to finish with winning record (5-3). Grade: C- (Tom Szczerbowski, US PRESSWIRE)

Top pitching prospect showed up in the majors for a couple of brief appearances after moving through three levels of the minors in first pro season. He gets an "A" for performance in minors, but no major league evaluation yet. Grade: Incomplete

Top pitching prospect showed up in the majors for a couple of brief appearances after moving through three levels of the minors in first pro season. He gets an "A" for performance in minors, but no major league evaluation yet. Grade: Incomplete (Jim Rogash, Getty Images)

Taiwanese pitcher quickly emerged as ace of Orioles staff and was the only Orioles pitcher to start more than 20 games (32) this year. Finished with 12 wins and 4.02 ERA and delivered big performance in Game 2 of Division Series. Grade: B

Taiwanese pitcher quickly emerged as ace of Orioles staff and was the only Orioles pitcher to start more than 20 games (32) this year. Finished with 12 wins and 4.02 ERA and delivered big performance in Game 2 of Division Series. Grade: B (MIKE SEGAR, REUTERS)

Baltimore Sun columnist Peter Schmuck offers his final grades for the Orioles' 2012 season. Schmuck's grades are based on each player's performance in relation to his role on the team, his total playing time and his talent level. So, a utilityman who gets a "B" after playing a limited number of...